Forest lizards genetically morph to survive life in the city

The Associated Press

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – U.S. scientists in Puerto Rico have found that forest-dwelling lizards have genetically morphed to survive life in the city.

The study focused on the Puerto Rican crested anole, a small brown lizard with a bright orange throat fan. Scientists say it has sprouted special scales to better cling to smooth surfaces like walls and glass, and grown larger limbs to sprint more quickly across open areas.

Authors of the study published Monday by the National Academy of Sciences say it’s important to understand how organisms adapt as urbanization intensifies around the world, so that humans can design cities in ways that support all species.

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1/10/2023 2:19:44 PM (GMT -6:00)